GEISHA AND MAIKO OF KYOTO
“A fantastic look into the lives of maiko and geiko as told by the women themselves. The book is complemented by the amazing images of the author and his own knowledge to help people understand the karyukai like only an insider can. Everyone should own this book.”
Geisha & Maiko of Kyoto: Beauty, Art, & Dance is an collection of photographs and interviews that focuses on four of Kyoto’s most beautiful geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha). The women were photographed at Kyoto’s largest geisha dance performances and other important dances, including Miyako Odori and Kyo Odori.
Next, portrait sessions were held with each to capture the kata (forms or poses) of her favorite dances.
The geisha and maiko were then interviewed about their photographs, giving the reader rare insight into their artistic training. The result is a collection of 149 gorgeous photographs that shed light on these elegant entertainers like no other book before.
144 pages with 141 color photographs
11 x 8.7 inches / 27.9 x 22.1 cm
Hardcover with dust jacket
Published in the US by Schiffer Publishing, June 2009
ISBN: 978-0-7643-3321-0
“Photographer and author John Foster explores this little known world through a stunning collection of 149 full-color portraits and richly detailed text. Foster expertly explains the culture of the geisha…”